Winter has a magical charm in Central Texas, but for your plumbing, it can bring potential challenges. Frozen pipes and unexpected leaks are not on anyone's wish list. But fear not, because we've crafted a straightforward plumbing guide to help you winterize your plumbing and keep your home cozy and leak-free.
By following these simple steps, you're taking a proactive approach to protect your home from the potential pitfalls of winter plumbing issues. Remember, a little effort now can save you from major headaches and costly repairs down the road.
PLUMBING FREEZE PREPARATION GUIDE
Frozen water expands and can burst your pipes, leading to expensive leaks. But don't worry! With a few simple steps, you can protect your home's plumbing.
Inside Your Home or Business Let Your Faucets Drip:
Turn on all your faucets (both hot and cold water) to a slow, steady drip. This keeps the water moving in the pipes, making it harder to freeze.
Outside Your Home or Business Cover Your Hose Bibs:
Find your outdoor faucets (hose bibs) and cover them with insulation boxes. You can find these at stores like Home Depot, McCoy’s, or Lowe's.
Insulate Exposed Pipes: If you have any water pipes on the outside of your house, wrap them up with pipe insulation (also available at local hardware stores). Whole House Shutdown (Best done by a Pro) Turn Off Main Water: Find your main water shut-off valve and turn it off.
Drain Outdoor Faucets:
Open all outdoor faucets to drain water and relieve pressure. This gives any leftover water space to expand if it does freeze.
Water Softener Light It Up:
Place a lamp with at least a 60-watt bulb, better with 100-watt, near your water softener. This keeps the area warm enough to prevent freezing. An electric heater would also work.
Water Heaters Tank Water Heaters:
Leave them on as usual. They constantly heat water, preventing freezing. Exception: If you turn off your house's water, also turn off the heater's gas/electric supply and open the temperature & pressure relief valve.
Tankless Water Heaters:
These can also stay on. They have a built-in system to prevent freezing. Exception: If you turn off your house's water or lose electricity, shut off the gas supply and open the temperature & pressure relief valve to let it drain.
Stay warm and safe this winter by preparing your plumbing for the freeze! If you're unsure about any steps, it's always best to give us a call at 512-288-1564. Remember, a little prep now can save a lot of trouble later.
Disclaimer: While these steps are designed to help you winterize your plumbing, it's always recommended to consult with a professional for complex plumbing systems or if you're uncertain about any step.
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